Earlier this winter, reports indicated Arizona was seeking a young, top-hitting shortstop in a deal for Upton. However, they have since acquired SS prospect Didi Gregorius from Cleveland (in the three-way deal that sent Shin-Soo Choo to the Reds).

Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, last summer and at the start of this off season I was told by people familiar with Arizona’s goals that the D-Backs would want Jon Niese and a top prospect to start a deal for Upton. The buzz has long been that, to move Upton, it would need to be a deal that helps the big-league club today. So, it couldn’t be a package of prospects, the deal would need to include a impact, big-league player. I assume the same can be said today, but perhaps things have changed.

Statistics and information on Justin Upton...

Contract: Upton will earn $9.75 million next season, during which Niese will earn $3 million. Upton’s salary bumps up to $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.

Stats: Upton hit .280 with a .355 OBP and .430 SLG with 17 home runs and 67 RBI and 121 strikeouts in 554 at-bats in 2012.